Location: Northumberland County, PA | Metro: Columbia County, PA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,330 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,647 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,845 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $1,993 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,093 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 17851 profiles as a modestly renter-heavy area, with 21.1% of the population being renters. This translates to approximately 1,526 renters out of the total population of 7,234. The median household income in this area stands at $53,637, which provides a baseline for assessing the affordability of housing.
The market rent in ZIP 17851 is currently set at $751 per month. To contextualize this figure, it consumes roughly 17.5% of the median monthly income, assuming a linear distribution throughout the year. This calculation is derived from dividing the annual median income by 12 to find the monthly income, then calculating the percentage of that income required to cover the average rent. This ratio indicates that while rent is a significant portion of income, it is still manageable for many households.
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 17851, as of FY 2024, is established at $1,060. This figure is higher than the current market rent, suggesting that there could be a notable gap between what landlords might charge and what the government deems as fair for the area. The discrepancy implies that landlords who participate in the Section 8 program can potentially receive higher rents through vouchers, aligning more closely with the FMR.
Given these economic conditions, landlords in ZIP 17851 should anticipate tenants who are likely to rely on Section 8 vouchers due to the lower median income relative to the market and FMR. These tenants will typically have their rent subsidized to ensure it remains affordable, often paying only a portion of their income towards rent, with the rest covered by the voucher. This subsidy structure helps make housing more accessible for low-income families, single parents, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities who qualify for assistance.
In conclusion, while the percentage of renters is not overwhelming, the income levels and the potential for higher rents through Section 8 vouchers indicate a viable tenant pool for landlords willing to participate in the program. The expected tenants would be from diverse backgrounds but share the common characteristic of needing financial assistance to secure housing.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.